The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a worldwide outbreak. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus can be transmitted human-to-human through droplets and close contact where personal protective equipment (PPE) is imperative to protect the individuals. The advancement of nanotechnology with significant nanosized properties can confer a higher form of protection. Incorporation of nanotechnology into facemasks can exhibit antiviral properties. Nanocoating on surfaces can achieve self-disinfecting purposes and be applied in highly populated places. Moreover, nano-based hand sanitizers can confer better sterilizing efficacies with low skin irritation as compared to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The present review discusses the incorporation of nanotechnology into nano-based materials and coatings in facemasks, self-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers, in the hope to contribute to the current understanding of PPE to combat COVID-19.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that accounted for the most common cause of dementia in the elderly population. Lately, ‘infection hypothesis’ has been proposed where the infection of microbes can lead to the pathogenesis of AD. Among different types of microbes, human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), Chlamydia pneumonia, Spirochetes and Candida albicans are frequently detected in the brain of AD patients. Amyloid-beta protein has demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial properties upon encountering these pathogens. It can bind to microglial cells and astrocytes to activate immune response and neuroinflammation. Nevertheless, HIV-1 and HSV-1 can develop into latency whereas Chlamydia pneumonia, Spirochetes and Candida albicans can cause chronic infections. At this stage, the DNA of microbes remains undetectable yet active. This can act as the prolonged pathogenic stimulus that over-triggers the expression of Aβ-related genes, which subsequently lead to overproduction and deposition of Aβ plaque. This review will highlight the pathogenesis of each of the stated microbial infection, their association in AD pathogenesis as well as the effect of chronic infection in AD progression. Potential therapies for AD by modulating the microbiome have also been suggested. This review will aid in understanding the infectious manifestations of AD.

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) has received enormous attention, not only due to its negative influences on women’s life but also because of the escalating trend of fungal resistance towards current antifungal drugs. In recent decades, researches have been focusing on the development of natural products as the antifungal agents due to their low side effects compared to standard antifungal drugs. In this study, the antifungal activity of curcumin, piperine, and tualang honey (TH) in single, combination, and combined nanoemulsions was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The nanoemulsions were prepared by dissolving curcumin, piperine and TH in the nanoemulsions base which was prepared by mixing Capryol, Tween80/Kolliphor RN40 and Transcutol HP. For assesment of atifungal activity, well diffusion methods were used and the zone of inhibitions were compared to fluconazole as a standard drug, . Results: The antifungal activity of these natural products alone was low and not all combinations were significant. Moreover, both curcumin and piperine are known to have low bioavailability that might limit its fungicidal efficiency. Hence, nanoemulsions of curcumin, piperine, and honey were then developed in this study. The nanoemulsions of three natural compounds have possessed favorable antifungal activity (more than 80%) against the wide range of Candida spp. Particularly, Candida albicans was more susceptible to these nanoemulsions compared to other species tested and some of them were the most resistant to fluconazole. Conclusions: In concise, this study showed evidence in support of the therapeutic use of nanoemulsions of curcumin, piperine, and tualang honey in antifungal infections.

Microplastics (MPs) is defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm. MPs have become a major environmental pollutant and it is originating from the breakdown of larger plastic waste. This article aims to explore MPs exposure to human health, particularly its potential effects during early developmental years. Studies reveal that MPs exposure begins via intra-uterine route, where MPs were detected in the placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, fetal membranes, and umbilical vein blood. As infants developed, the MPs exposure continued via breast milk, milk storage bags, formula, feeding bottles, and even from pacifiers. During early childhood, exposure routes can be from 3 different routes, including dermal contact (clothing, childcare products), ingestion (bottled milk, school dust, playground sand, sugar, salt), and inhalation (toy blocks, play mats, indoor air). The review also highlights the potential health risks to vital organs and systems from prenatal as well as postnatal MPs exposure in in vivo studies. These includes the optical, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, urinary, digestive, skeletal, lymphatic and reproductive systems. Given their small size and potential toxicity, MPs may disrupt these important developmental processes, leading to long-term health consequences. This article explores the route of MPs exposure with the potential severity and health impacts of those exposure, especially for fetuses, infants, and children. By doing so, it aims to identify any missing knowledge in this area. This research will serve as a foundation for designing future studies that identify health risks in generations exposed to MPs from a very young age.